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ADHD Assessments There isn't a single test that can determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. Specialists use a variety tools to gather data and observe the symptoms of a person. These include standardized clinical interviewing and rating scales, observational ratings and a number of psychometric/neuropsychological tests (including intelligence testing). They are a vital element of the comprehensive assessment process used to screen, assess, diagnose and monitor treatments. Assessment Process The majority of ADHD assessments include a detailed interview with the person being evaluated. A professional such as a psychologist, medical professional or clinical social worker will conduct the assessment. The doctor will ask the patient about their past and current symptoms. Many evaluators employ standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based upon research comparing the behaviors of people with ADHD and those without. They are not considered diagnostic in their own right however they provide important objective data to the evaluation. The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Teacher-Parent Report form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale are all examples. For adults, a standard ADHD rating scale, such as the Wender Utah Rating Scale may be used. The clinician will use an assessment of behavior for adults and children. This looks for other conditions that may co-occur with ADHD for example, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety or depression. The evaluator will also examine the person's medical history and current medications. In addition, the clinician will look over medical records and gather details about the person's family members and their environment. The evaluator may ask whether the person's parents, or other relatives have ADHD and what signs they experienced. Psychometric and neuropsychological tests may provide valuable information to aid the evaluator to diagnose ADHD especially when there is some doubt about the diagnosis. However they aren't able to provide the use as the sole tool for making an ADHD diagnosis because of problems in their sensitivity and specificity. They also aren't able to accurately reflect the variety of situations that an adult faces every day. A more recent test, SPECT brain imaging, can provide valuable information on how the brain functions over a short periods of time. The results are only useful for diagnosing certain kinds of brain injuries or illnesses. They do not accurately reflect how the brain functions in everyday situations like at work, school and in relationships. It is best to consult an expert in mental health who has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. A referral from a doctor or therapist is the best way to find such an individual. Symptoms People with ADHD struggle to stay focused and retaining self-control. This can cause problems at school, work, or in relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily frustrations. In the end, untreated ADHD symptoms could lead to the loss of a job, broken friendships and other severe consequences. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of an individual must last throughout the adolescent and childhood years. These symptoms must also hinder their ability to function in daily life, and they must be present prior to the age of 12 years old. The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity and inattention. Inattention symptoms include difficulty staying focused, ignoring important information, and having difficulty remembering things. One may also exhibit poor organizational skills or have trouble following directions and keeping track of multiple tasks at once. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, being unable to sit still, having excess energy, and being talkative. This kind of ADHD can also cause a person be unable to wait their turn or interrupting others. These signs are usually present in children when they first start school. They may have a difficult time in school due to academic demands and then become frustrated due to their inability to organize or concentration. They may also have issues with interpersonal relationships due their tendency to rage. These symptoms can continue into adulthood, causing problems at work and in romantic relationships and with family members. Untreated ADHD can cause people to feel embarrassed or blame themselves. They might believe that they are not smart enough to be successful or that there's something wrong with them. It is crucial to understand that having ADHD does not mean that you're less capable or intelligent. Your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the presence of ADHD. They will ask about your symptoms and the effects they affect your life. They will also interview you along with your partner, as well as other family members and friends. They will use behavior rating scales and symptom checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also review your medical history and education. They may also refer to you for a physical exam or psychological tests to eliminate any other health issues. Diagnosis You or your child has been struggling at school. You may be worried about the ever-present snow day or the most recent teacher evaluation. You've heard about ADHD, but you don't really know what it means — is your child simply lazy or is there a problem that's simpler to treat than? A thorough diagnosis is essential. You need to determine if the issue is due to excessive screen time, poor parenting or a medical issue. Your family physician can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is right for you. Typically the process of an ADHD evaluation involves an interview, examination of symptoms, and the use of checklists and rating scales. Doctors will inquire about the person's history of health, their development back to childhood academic and work experiences as well as driving history, marriage and family relations. The examiner will also check for any other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders. The person being evaluated must be able to discuss the issues in a candid and honest manner. It's important that the person being evaluated does not be hesitant due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. This will help the examiner determine how ADHD symptoms impact daily life and provide treatment options. For a diagnosis of ADHD to be confirmed there must be a variety of signs that must have manifested before age 12 and must have been “impairing” at least in two main settings like school or home. It's not just about being forgetful or struggling to complete assignments. It could also be a result of being fired from work for tardiness or inability to complete tasks on time, or creating tension and conflict in a relationship. Many doctors will speak with the patient along with a loved one (spouse or sibling for children) and may ask for feedback from people who spend long periods of time with the patient — such as an nanny, coach, or a religious leader. This kind of personal insight can provide information that cannot be gleaned through questionnaires. Psychiatrists also conduct physical examinations and lab tests like urine and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. get adhd assessment can do an ADHD assessment to determine if there's a root cause, such as an anxiety disorder or another physical condition that causes similar symptoms. A thorough assessment involves looking over the person's medical and mental histories, analyzing their past and current behavior, and their school performance. It also involves calling family members teachers, parents, and other caregivers to obtain an accurate picture of the person’s functioning in different environments. Dr. Frank says that people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment. Some people are prescribed medications to increase focus and concentration, and decrease the impulsiveness. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall or non-stimulant medications that take longer time to work, but can enhance attention skills, such as Intuniv and Clonidine. Most treatment plans include behavior therapy, particularly those for children. The therapist might teach them ways to organize their lives to aid them in keeping track of things or mindfulness meditation to help improve their control of their impulses and manage their time. Family or marital counseling could also be helpful for adults with ADHD because it helps them develop communication and problem-solving skills which can help them cope with their challenges at home and at work. Many people who suffer from ADHD will also find that they can manage their symptoms if they consume well balanced meals, get enough rest, exercise and reduce their intake of junk food and drinks. It is also beneficial to seek support from your family and friends, enroll in an organization for support or an ADHD Coach training program that can teach them strategies and tools to manage their symptoms. People with ADHD should see their GP regularly for periodic medication checks to learn how their treatment works and to be aware of any possible adverse effects. The GP can refer patients suffering from ADHD for additional evaluation or for a diagnosis to psychiatrists or a clinical psychologist.